All About Wedding Officiants

Ever wondered about the "officiant issue"?

It really used to be quite a hassle finding an officiant if you didn't go to church much.

These days, though, it's not a problem. In fact, some couples actually find that hiring an officiant gives them more flexibility — especially interfaith couples, or couples wanting special, non-sanctioned unification ceremonies (such as the "rose" ceremony), or couples wanting to marry outdoors, and so on.

But it often costs more to hire your own officiant. While the standard donation for the minister at your church might be about $100-200, non-parish officiants typically charge more — from $250 to $600 and up.

On the other hand, it's possible to get a perfect match when you hire your own. If you're set on writing your own vows, pass them by the officiant right away; you'll know if there's a problem. You can search for a open, free-thinking minister if you want handfasting or Celtic elements in your wedding, seek out a judge for a businesslike affair, or track down a traditional Catholic priest who might be willing to incorporate some nontraditional elements.

There's another option, though: having a friend or parent officiate. Some states are easygoing about this; some throw out more red tape. First check out your local laws, and then consider pointing the friend or family member to the Universal Life Church, where they can be ordained "instantly" online. After that, they'll probably have to get a license to marry you legally, but it's a good start in many states.

Go here for more information on your state's laws:
www.northernway.org/marriagelaws.html

But before setting anything in stone, be sure to clarify regulations with your local county clerk.